For a long time, JetBlue was regarded among airlines – especially U.S. domestic airlines – as a reasonable and affordable option, suitable for a wide range of economic classes. However, since last year, when they released their Mint “first class cabin,” their image as a airline has slightly transformed. Now, they have just announced they are expanding their Mint service to the Caribbean beginning in November.
The Mint cabins provide the long beds and innovative food options. They are individual pods with 15-inch flat screen TVs, and a door to add privacy. Not only is there maximum comfort, but they also offer a tapas-style menu from a chic downtown Manhattan restaurant, Saxon & Parole, as well as desserts from the popular Blue Marble Ice Cream of Brooklyn and the Mad-Ze-Dahr Bakery. The new trips to the Caribbean will be more or less the same menu, but they are considering adding extra flare like Caribbean-influenced cocktails.
Today, Jet Blue will announce the routes that will be available from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Aruba and Barbados. This will make JetBlue the first airline to offer flatbeds between the U.S. and the Caribbean.
However, the trips will not be leaving frequently except during the high tourist season. From November 7 to April 30, the Mint option will only be offered once every Saturday. And from the short window of December 19 to January 4, it will be offered once a day.
The administration has not been clear yet on the difference in costs, as it will depend on the days, times, and demands that are reflected once the offer is on the table. However, based on some of the current price differences, it is likely to be substantial. Executive vice president of commercial and planning, Marty St. George, says the off-peak flights will start at $599 each way, but will vary based on time. The flight times are also about the same length as flights between New York and Los Angeles.
Allegedly, this new offering stems from the success they’ve had over the last year since the launch of the Mint cabin option on transcontinental flights. Time will tell in the coming months if the Mint service to the Caribbean will be successful.
